When A Friend Is Raped

Rape is a traumatic event in a person’s life. It has life changing impact on friends and family. Your friend needs time to heal – a big part of that healing process is a friend who will listen and believe.

Important things to know:

• Your friend may be afraid of:
  • Being alone
  • Anything that reminds her or him of the rape and/or rapist
  • Reactions from people she or he cares about
• Your friend may experience feelings of:
  • Outrage, guilt, anger, or embarrassment
  • Physical pain from being hurt and abused
  • Helplessness, isolation, alienation, and withdrawal
    
• Your friend may have difficulty:
  • Relating to others
  • Expressing affection
    

How you can help your friend:

• Know the facts: According to recent FBI statistics, a rape happens every 6 minutes in the United States.
• Believe your friend. It takes courage and strength to tell someone about a traumatic event. By confiding in you, your friend trusts you to believe in him or her.
• Listen to your friend. Let your friend talk at his or her own pace. Your friend has been through a trauma where all power and control has been taken away, this is one way to give your friend back control.
• Suggest options like calling a crisis hotline or going to the hospital.  Give information to your friend about getting help, but let your friend decide when to call or what to do.
• Take care of yourself. Resources are available to help you support your friend